Raspberry Ketones: Antioxidant Properties and Lipolysis

May 11, 2012

Raspberries are known for their sweet and sour flavor palate, yet less is known about the nutrients contained within them. They may be an underestimated fruit, but raspberries are packed with Vitamin C, Fiber, Magnesium and an assortment of many other nutrients. A member of the rose family, this fruit contains a hollow center, which is surrounded by the seeds.

Health Benefits

Cancer-Fighters: Raspberries contain tannins which are phytonutrients that are responsible for the antioxidant properties in this fruit among many others. Ellagic acid is a component, specifically found in the red berries, which is often sold isolated in supplement stores. This helps neutralize free radicals and fight off cell damage, as all antioxidants do. Because of the antioxidant properties (from flavonoids and ellagic acid), raspberries have also been associated with impeding the growth of certain cancers, namely that of colon cancer. Although the research is in early stages, results suggest that the properties may help prevent tumor formation in many parts of the body.

To get an idea of how raspberries stand up to other popular healthy fruits, they contain almost 50% higher antioxidants than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times that of tomatoes. Ellagitannins are a compound of antioxidants found, that are almost solely present in raspberries. These are responsible for many of the cancer-fighting properties.

Macular Degeneration Prevention: Many cases of vision loss in older adults can be attributed to Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). It has been found that the increased consumption of fruits (at least 3 times daily), especially raspberries, can lower your risk of the condition by 36 percent.

Incorporating them into your diet

Because of their small structure and tangy taste, raspberries are a great addition to any fruit salad or breakfast smoothie. You can even freeze them in portion sizes and add them to any snack or eat them plain. They can be found in almost any grocery store and are usually plentiful year round.

Fat burning properties of the Raspberry Ketone

Recently, there have been claims in the media and by word of mouth that the ketone component of the berry may actually help in fat burning efforts. Some critics state that there simply is not enough research completed on the subject. Meanwhile, others who have tried it swear by it and thus, we have a new diet craze! The only comprehensive research done on the supplement appears to have been done on mice and therefore, true scientists are skeptical as to how this can translate over into human results. On the upside, the supplement seems to be safe and if it works for you, it is probably well worth it. The supplement has been lauded as a fat burner on popular TV shows like Dr. Oz, where people look for quick health advice, whether they be true novelties or simply fads. Since the appearance on the show, the “miracle weight loss product” has become increasingly popular.

How it works?

The idea behind products like Raspberry Ketone liquids is that they target specific hormones in the body that contribute to increased metabolism and weight loss. The ketone in raspberries is what gives it its smell and color, so there is always the possibility of a placebo effect occurring also. Whatever the mechanism may be, what may have no effect for one person may make a tremendous difference in someone else’s life, so fad or not, those who are desperate for a weight loss remedy may want to try this. After all, there aren’t any known adverse side effects. The process that is induced by the ketone is called norepinephrine-induced lipolysis. The process involves norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) which is responsible for telling the body to either use fat for energy immediately or store it for later use.

Precautions and Side Effects

For the average person, raspberries are great addition to any diet, however if you have untreated kidney or gallbladder problems, you may want to avoid eating them. Certain fruits like raspberries contain what are called oxalates. When these oxalates build up in the body, they crystallize and can cause health problems for people with these pre-existing conditions.

Raspberries are also an allergen for some people, so for people who may have other seed or fruit allergies, they may want to get checked to make sure that they are not allergic to this berry as well. After this is ruled out, proceed with your berry fix.

Along with any drastic diet change comes potential side effects such as dizziness or headaches. To avoid this, gradually ease into a new regimen rather than jumping in. Raspberry ketones specifically, increase energy, so getting to sleep may come with an additional struggle that you may feel is not worth the trouble.

Whether you decide to take a stab at the raspberry ketone for its weight loss properties is up to you. However, there are many other reasons to incorporate the whole fruit into your diet. Because of the lack of serious side effects, if you are truly in seek of a weight loss aid, you may find it in the raspberry ketone supplements now available. Just remember, there are not miracle fixes or magic bullets, so if you are truly looking to lose weight, do so with a sensible diet and workout plan regardless of what supplements you decide to use.

I like eating raspberries, but am saddened to find out they have certain side effects when taken in huge amounts. I have a history of UTI, and I guess it falls under kidney problems that you’ve mentioned. Thanks for sharing this informative post about raspberries.

i love eating raspberries. but i have never thought about the nutritional benefits of raspberries.As it causes lipolysis we can even lose weight with them. such a nice thing. and its antioxidant properties will help us get rid of free radical damage.